If you’re searching for a show-stopping treat that combines sweet, salty, and smoky flavors in a delightful crunch, you’ve got to try this Holiday Candied Bacon Brittle Recipe. It’s a perfect twist on traditional brittle that brings a festive spirit with thick-cut bacon, toasted nuts, and a luscious caramelized sugar coating. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it a guaranteed hit for holiday parties, cozy nights by the fire, or as a special gift from your kitchen to loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to create the perfect balance of texture and irresistible flavor. Each element plays a key role: smoky bacon, rich nuts, and a deeply caramelized sugar base come together to form this crunchy, addictive brittle.
- Thick-cut bacon (11-12 strips): Using thick-cut ensures the bacon stays wonderfully meaty and holds up well under the sugary glaze.
- Light brown sugar (1/3 cup packed): Adds warmth and moisture to the brittle’s sweet layer.
- Real maple syrup (2 Tbsp): Brings a natural sweetness and depth that enhances the bacon’s smoky flavor.
- Tabasco Original Pepper Sauce (2 tsp): A little spicy kick to balance the sweet and salty notes beautifully.
- Unsalted pecans (1 cup, toasted and coarsely chopped): Adds crunch and a buttery nutty flavor.
- Unsalted cashews (1 cup, toasted and coarsely chopped): Offers creamy, slightly sweet contrast and texture.
- Sugar (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for that signature brittle crunch and caramel flavor.
- Water (1/3 cup): Helps dissolve the sugar and creates the syrup base.
- Light corn syrup (1/3 cup): Prevents crystallization and keeps the brittle smooth and glossy.
- Unsalted butter (8 Tbsp): Adds richness and a tender bite to the brittle.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Creates lightness by aerating the brittle as it cooks.
- Candy thermometer: Essential for perfectly cooking sugar to the right temperature every time.
How to Make Holiday Candied Bacon Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Nuts
Start by cooking your thick-cut bacon until it’s crispy but not overly browned — you want it to stay a bit meaty under the sugar glaze. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Next, toast your pecans and cashews lightly in a dry skillet or oven until fragrant, then coarsely chop them. Toasting the nuts intensifies their flavor and adds that perfect crunch that the brittle needs.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
Combine sugar, water, and light corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Attach your candy thermometer and heat the mixture over medium heat without stirring until it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). This step is crucial for creating that classic brittle snap. While the sugar cooks, melt butter with brown sugar, maple syrup, and Tabasco in a separate small pan, stirring gently until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Combine and Finish the Brittle
Once the sugar syrup hits 300°F, quickly remove it from the heat and stir in the butter mixture. Then add the baking soda, which will cause the syrup to bubble and foam, lightening its texture. Immediately mix in the bacon and toasted nuts to coat everything evenly. Pour the mixture onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it thin with a spatula. Let it cool completely before breaking into irregular shards. The result is a sensationally crunchy, flavorful brittle with surprising bursts of bacon in every bite.
How to Serve Holiday Candied Bacon Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the brittle right after spreading it out to enhance the sweet-savory balance. You can also garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few extra chopped nuts for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
This brittle shines alongside rich, creamy cheeses like brie or triple-cream varieties on a holiday cheese board. It also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate or a smooth red wine that complements its smoky-sweet notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Break the brittle into bite-sized pieces and wrap them in small cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for charming edible gifts. Or serve them scattered over vanilla ice cream or panna cotta to add a textural surprise that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Holiday Candied Bacon Brittle Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keeping it dry and sealed prevents moisture from softening the brittle, preserving the satisfying crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the brittle in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When ready, let it come to room temperature before serving to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
This brittle is best served at room temperature to enjoy the full crunch and flavor spectrum. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can melt the sugar and alter the texture. If desired, allow the brittle to warm slightly in a bowl inside a warm oven (turned off) for a few minutes, but handle gently.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut for this Holiday Candied Bacon Brittle Recipe?
Regular bacon can be used, but thick-cut bacon holds up better to the candying process and gives you a meatier texture. Thinner bacon may become too crisp or brittle and break down in the candy mixture.
What happens if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
A candy thermometer is highly recommended for precise results because sugar temperatures are tricky to gauge by sight alone. Without one, the brittle may turn out soft or overcooked. If you must, test sugar by dropping a bit into cold water to see if it hardens with a snap.
Is Tabasco sauce really necessary?
The Tabasco adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness and complements the smoky bacon. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mild hot sauce or omit it, but a slight spicy kick is what makes this brittle uniquely festive.
Can I substitute nuts in the Holiday Candied Bacon Brittle Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap pecans and cashews with almonds, walnuts, or pistachios according to your preference. Just toast and chop them to get that perfect texture.
How do I achieve a glossy finish on the brittle?
The corn syrup in the recipe prevents sugar crystallization and contributes to the shiny, glass-like finish. Stirring gently and cooking to the correct temperature are key to that beautiful glossy look.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the sweet, smoky, and crunchy magic of this Holiday Candied Bacon Brittle Recipe to bring joy to your gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s a unique treat that’s easy to make but feels so special — perfect for sharing with friends and family or gifting with love. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a holiday tradition you’ll look forward to every year.
Print
Holiday Candied Bacon Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Holiday Candied Bacon Brittle is a sweet and salty treat perfect for festive occasions. Thick-cut bacon is candied with brown sugar, maple syrup, and Tabasco, then combined with toasted pecans and cashews in a rich brittle made from sugar, corn syrup, and butter. The result is a crunchy, flavorful snack that balances smoky, spicy, and sweet notes beautifully.
Ingredients
Bacon Mixture
- 1 lb 11-12 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp real maple syrup
- 2 tsp Tabasco Original Pepper Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup unsalted cashews, toasted and coarsely chopped
Brittle Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp baking soda
Equipment
- Candy thermometer
Instructions
- Prepare and Candy the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, lay out the thick-cut bacon strips and cook until they begin to render fat but aren’t fully crisp. In a bowl, mix light brown sugar, maple syrup, and Tabasco. Toss the slightly cooked bacon in this mixture to coat thoroughly. Continue to cook the bacon until it is candied and crisp. Remove bacon and let cool on paper towels.
- Toast Nuts: While the bacon cooks, toast the pecans and cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Coarsely chop the toasted nuts once cooled.
- Make the Brittle Base: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat without stirring. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the temperature reaches the hard crack stage, about 300°F (149°C).
- Add Butter and Baking Soda: Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the unsalted butter until melted and fully combined. Then stir in the baking soda, which will cause the mixture to foam slightly and lighten in color.
- Combine Nuts and Bacon: Immediately fold in the toasted nuts and candied bacon pieces until evenly distributed within the brittle mixture.
- Spread and Cool: Pour the molten brittle onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it thinly and evenly. Allow to cool completely at room temperature until hardened.
- Break and Serve: Once hardened, break the brittle into bite-sized pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor in the brittle.
- Be cautious when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
- Toast nuts just before adding to bring out their full flavor.
- Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunchiness.
- Adjust Tabasco quantity to taste depending on your preference for spiciness.
